State Senator in Legislative District 9, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Katie Fry Hester — State Senator in Legislative District 9, Maryland

  Katie Fry Hester is a Democratic member of the Maryland State Senate representing District 9. First elected in 2018, she became the first Democrat to represent the district in over two decades. Prior to her political career, Hester worked for 20 years in international development with a focus on sustainable strategies and public-private partnerships. She earned a Bachelor of Science in agricultural and biological engineering from Cornell University. Within the Senate, Hester serves as the Deputy Majority Whip and has chaired the Joint Committee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Biotechnology. Her primary legislative priorities have included cybersecurity reform, environmental resiliency, and healthcare access.

• Ben Hightower — State Senator in Legislative District 9, Maryland

  Ben Hightower is a Republican candidate seeking the office of State Senator for Maryland's Legislative District 9. A 20-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, Hightower's campaign platform is centered on addressing key suburban concerns. His primary policy objectives include initiatives to make Maryland more affordable, efforts to enhance the quality of local schools, measures to improve public safety, and the protection of individual liberties for all residents. Hightower is currently seeking the Republican nomination and is focused on building a broad base of support among voters across different party affiliations within the district.